Established Government in 'Macbeth'
Macbeth's Bloody Stage
Political change hasn't changed
People question the relevance of Macbeth, not only in respect to the difference in time, but also as a work of fiction depicting real life. The belief that Shakespeare's views as expressed in Macbeth cannot be applied to humanity today is often backed up by the argument that the world has changed. I was taught about women's rights and the divine right of kings if I hadn't been I probably wouldn't have discovered them myself simply by looking at modern culture. Women today are no longer bound by the strict set of rules placed on them in the Elizabethan era, they enjoy near equality in regards to gender, are involved more centrally in power, and are found in more diverse positions of power. Unlike Macbeth, murderers are not forsaken by God, but we are taught that God forgives all, and our justice system is based on rehabilitation through punishment, not just punishment. In a democracy containing a diverse number of religions, and where choice of leaders is the basis, the divine right of kings no longer holds any weight. However, we are able to relate to the play not only because we have been taught its history, but because parallels can still be seen today. Gender inequality is still prevalent, and if someone ordered a mass-murder, many of us would doubt they would have a place in heaven. But just how relevant today are the play's views on politics?
The structure of the play in regards to political change is fairly simple. It begins with a good man, loved and honoured by all, as the rightful king to the throne. Macbeth then kills Duncan, specifically to become king. Shakespeare uses the bizarre supernatural events as a sign that this action is a crime against nature, and that God is angry. Macbeth, although securing the crown through lineage, (he is Duncan's cousin), is not seen as the rightful king, because of Duncan's unnatural death. During his reign, Macbeth is often referred to as tyrant' and under
Political change hasn't changed
People question the relevance of Macbeth, not only in respect to the difference in time, but also as a work of fiction depicting real life. The belief that Shakespeare's views as expressed in Macbeth cannot be applied to humanity today is often backed up by the argument that the world has changed. I was taught about women's rights and the divine right of kings if I hadn't been I probably wouldn't have discovered them myself simply by looking at modern culture. Women today are no longer bound by the strict set of rules placed on them in the Elizabethan era, they enjoy near equality in regards to gender, are involved more centrally in power, and are found in more diverse positions of power. Unlike Macbeth, murderers are not forsaken by God, but we are taught that God forgives all, and our justice system is based on rehabilitation through punishment, not just punishment. In a democracy containing a diverse number of religions, and where choice of leaders is the basis, the divine right of kings no longer holds any weight. However, we are able to relate to the play not only because we have been taught its history, but because parallels can still be seen today. Gender inequality is still prevalent, and if someone ordered a mass-murder, many of us would doubt they would have a place in heaven. But just how relevant today are the play's views on politics?
The structure of the play in regards to political change is fairly simple. It begins with a good man, loved and honoured by all, as the rightful king to the throne. Macbeth then kills Duncan, specifically to become king. Shakespeare uses the bizarre supernatural events as a sign that this action is a crime against nature, and that God is angry. Macbeth, although securing the crown through lineage, (he is Duncan's cousin), is not seen as the rightful king, because of Duncan's unnatural death. During his reign, Macbeth is often referred to as tyrant' and under
Bibliography: Shakespeare, W. (1997) The Global Shakespeare Series – MACBETH with Related Readings. Australia: Nelson ITP. Mfields. (2004) Theory of Kingship in Macbeth. (Internet) eCheat.com. Available From: http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=25630 (Accessed 8 April 2005) Author Unknown. (2005) Macbeth – Themes, Motifs and Symbols. (Internet) SparkNotes. Available From: http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/themes.html (Accessed 7 April 2005) Author Unknown. (Date Unknown) The Scramble for Africa, Congo under Leopold II and Later Developments. (Internet) Goan Overseas Digest. Available From: http://www.goacom.com/overseas-digest/Colonial%20episodes/congo-leopold.htm (Accessed 8 April 2005)